Sir,

Yousuf Bhailok (report, later editions, April 18), the secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, is wrong. The Chief Rabbi is not trying to deflect attention away from Israel; he is trying to focus attention on the relative responses of the Jewish and Muslim communities who are directly affected by the conflict.

British, American and European Jews do not march on the streets with banners proclaiming “Death to the Palestinians”, nor do they burn Palestinian flags, fire-bomb mosques or Islamic schools, nor attack defenceless Muslim citizens of European countries in the streets.

The Israeli Army is a citizens’ army, many of them brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, cousins, nephews and nieces of Jews throughout the world.

Even the most bereft, traumatised Israelis do not want to kill all Arabs or bring their children up to hate Palestinians. All they wish for are Palestinian leaders with the courage and vision to permit Israel to exist within secure borders, and then they will negotiate. You cannot negotiate with someone who wants to kill you at any price.

Yours faithfully, DOREEN SAMUELS, 95 Moss Lane, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3AT. April 18, 2002